BARCELONA, March 13, (V7N) – Barcelona welcome Sevilla to Camp Nou on Sunday in a crucial La Liga clash, but the spotlight will extend far beyond the pitch as club members cast their votes to elect the next president later that night.  

The election pits Joan Laporta against Victor Font, with Laporta seen as the favourite to retain leadership after resigning weeks ago to launch his reelection campaign. The outcome will shape the club’s direction for years to come, with polls closing just hours after the Sevilla match.  

Sunday’s game will also mark the reopening of Camp Nou’s north stand, raising temporary capacity to nearly 63,000. The long-term goal is to expand to 105,000 once renovations are complete.  

Barcelona currently hold a four-point lead over Real Madrid, who host struggling Elche on Saturday. A win against Sevilla would keep pressure on Los Blancos and strengthen Barca’s grip on the title race. 

Coach Hansi Flick may rotate his squad with one eye on the Champions League last-16 second leg against Newcastle, following a 1-1 draw in England earlier this week. Injuries could limit his options, but midfielder Gavi is close to returning after a long knee injury layoff and may feature on the bench.  

Barcelona are chasing European glory, having last won the Champions League in 2015. Despite last season’s domestic treble, falling short in Europe remains a sore point, making continental success their top priority. 

Sevilla inflicted Barca’s first league defeat of the season back in October with a 4-1 rout. Flick’s men will be eager to avenge that loss, while Matias Almeyda’s side, sitting 14th, aim to extend their five-match unbeaten run. Four of those games have been draws, leaving them still vulnerable near the relegation zone.  

- Player to watch: Girona’s Ukrainian striker Vladyslav Vanat, with nine goals this season, will look to improve his home scoring record against Athletic Bilbao.  

- Vedat Muriqi (Mallorca): 18 goals, chasing injured top scorer Kylian Mbappé (23).  

- Pau Cubarsi (Barcelona): 1,922 passes completed – the most in La Liga.  

Weekend fixtures (GMT):

- Friday: Alaves v Villarreal (2000)  

- Saturday: Girona v Athletic Bilbao (1300), Atletico Madrid v Getafe (1515), Real Oviedo v Valencia (1730), Real Madrid v Elche (2000)  

- Sunday: Mallorca v Espanyol (1300), Barcelona v Sevilla (1515), Real Betis v Celta Vigo (1730), Real Sociedad v Osasuna (2000)  

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